Alaska Legislature passes bill establishing March as Women's History Month

Yahoo

28-03-2025

Mar. 28—JUNEAU — The Alaska Legislature on Friday approved a measure to establish March as Women's History Month.
Senate Bill 43 states that schools, community groups, and other public and private agencies may honor "the contributions that women have made in the history of the state and the United States" with "appropriate activities."
Anchorage Democratic Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson was the lead sponsor behind SB 43. The Senate unanimously passed the measure earlier in the month.
The Alaska House passed the same bill on a 33-2 vote with five lawmakers absent. Republican Reps. Julie Coulombe and Mike Prax were the only no votes.
Anchorage Democratic Rep. Carolyn Hall introduced the bill on the House floor. She presented a long list of women who had contributed to Alaska history — including lawmakers, community leaders, civil rights activists and dog mushers — such as Bettye Davis, DeeDee Jonrowe and Gail Phillips.
"How many of us know of their accomplishments, their leadership or their fortitude?" Hall asked rhetorically.
"These women are Alaska's history," Hall later said. She said that the purpose of Women's History Month "is to lift up, recognize and integrate women's experiences into our state's narrative."
The Alaska House is majority women for the first time in state history. Twenty-one of the chamber's 40 members are women.
Fairbanks Democratic Rep. Ashley Carrick noted that the House Tribal Affairs Committee is the first legislative committee in state history to have all women members.
After the vote, Coulombe said in a brief interview that she voted against the measure because "this isn't going to help women. I want policies that actually help women."
"We keep hearing that we have a majority of women in the Legislature, and I take offense that I'm a woman legislator. I'm just a legislator. I want to be treated equally," she added.
U.S. Congress declared March as National Women's History Month in 1987. Since then, presidents have issued annual proclamations to honor American women.
Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola testified in "enthusiastic support" for SB 43. Peltola — the first woman to represent Alaska in the U.S. House — said Women's History Month would honor Alaska women from all walks of life.
"By recognizing Women's History Month, we make it clear to women, especially young women and girls, that they should not be afraid to be the bold leaders Alaska needs to guide us into the future," she said. "We also honor the trailblazers who came before us, displayed remarkable leadership, and now serve as role models for our generation and the next."
SB 43 does not create any new state holidays or new regulations. State agencies estimate no cost to establish Women's History Month in Alaska.
SB 43 now advances to Gov. Mike Dunleavy's desk for his consideration.